A former member of the Welsh Guards has shared his experience of suffering a “catastrophic breakdown” after enduring traumatic events during his service in Afghanistan. Steven Peters was deployed to Helmand Province in 2009, a time marked as one of the British Army’s deadliest summers in over half a century. During one patrol, he witnessed an interpreter, with whom he had formed a close bond, step on an improvised explosive device (IED). “What I saw that morning – a human being is not designed to see,” reflected Sgt Peters, 42, from Anglesey.

Sgt Peters is among ten former soldiers featured in a BBC documentary titled “Helmand: Tour of Duty,” commemorating the tenth anniversary of the withdrawal of British combat forces from Afghanistan. The documentary contains content that may be distressing for some viewers.

In September 2009, with less than a month left in their tour, Sgt Peters' platoon was tasked with leading an assault on a Taliban-controlled compound. He had developed a strong connection with interpreter Ahmed Popal, who had been eagerly anticipating returning home to his children. The operation commenced under the cover of darkness as they navigated through an area notorious for its danger, referred to as “IED central.”

Tragically, as they moved forward, Interpreter Popal stepped on an IED. Sgt Peters recalled the chaos that ensued: “I remember dust, pitch blackness, the scent of smoke, burnt flesh, and screams.” He found himself sitting in a crater and used his flashlight to search for what he feared might be Popal. “What I saw that morning – a human being is not designed to see,” he said upon discovering Popal’s horrific injuries.

Despite his attempts at mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Popal succumbed to his injuries shortly after. “There was nothing left of that human,” Sgt Peters lamented. The emotional toll was immense; after losing such a close friend who simply wanted to return home to his family, he fell apart emotionally and cried for 45 minutes.

By the end of their tour, ten members of the Welsh Guards battlegroup had lost their lives. In the years following his service, Sgt Peters faced severe psychological challenges and ultimately experienced what he described as a breakdown that led him to therapy for nine months. He expressed gratitude for this process as it allowed him to confront his trauma.

Over two decades in Afghanistan resulted in 457 fatalities among UK armed forces personnel, with casualties peaking during 2009 and 2010. Following the withdrawal of British troops in 2014 and amid recent Taliban control over Afghanistan, Sgt Peters reflected on the sacrifices made during this conflict. Yet despite these challenges and losses, he still feels pride in his service and contributions during that critical time in Afghanistan.